After 45 years working for the council, housing grants officer Mike Young has decided to call it a day.

Mike, aged 60, left Treorchy Comprehensive School in 1962 and took a job with Rhondda Borough Council, working as an apprentice carpenter based at Treherbert at the tender age of 15.

Then, in 1974, he took a job working in the grants and building control department and has worked there ever since - becoming senior grants officer in 1988 and overseeing things such as renovation and disabled facilities grants.

As well as the 'Big Snow' in 1963, Mike recalls one of his most memorable moments as being the Maerdy Dam emergency in 1970 when he had to help the army lower the level of the water before it flooded the Valley.

With thoughts of the dam well and truly at the back of his mind, Mike will now get the chance to spend more time with his wife Joan, their two daughters Bridie and Lorna, and two grandchildren Luke and Lucy.

'I've enjoyed working in the grants department and have made good colleagues and friends over the years,' said Mike, from Brynhyfryd Street, Treorchy.

'The job means you're close to the public, which I enjoy. It's rewarding when you receive positive feedback from people on a job well done - it makes it all worthwhile.

'I consider myself fortunate to have worked with all the staff in the department and I will miss them very much.'

Private Sector housing manager Phil Howells said: 'Mike has worked tirelessly to improve the living conditions of many people throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf and made a difference to thousands of lives.

'Take this well-earned rest, don't be a stranger - and fish until your heart's content.'

Councillor Paul Cannon said: 'Mike is an example of everything a local government officer should strive to be and an example to us all on how to conduct ourselves in public service.'